Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy announced the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) intent to remove 8 common synthetic food dyes from the food supply.
FDA is initiating the process to revoke authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B and will work with industry to remove FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and FD&C Yellow No. 6 from the food supply by the end of 2026. FDA commissioner Dr. Martin Makary blamed these petroleum-based dyes for rising childhood ADHD, diabetes, depression, and obesity rates. FDA also plans to implement an expedited review process for natural food dyes not yet authorized, including calcium phosphate, Galdieria extract blue, gardenia blue, and butterfly pea flower extract. Additionally, the National Health Institute (NIH) has been asked to conduct comprehensive research on how food additives impact child development and health.
Today’s announcement is a mission statement that does not provide process details or give much insight into how FDA will accomplish its stated goals. Should FDA formally ban these color additives, it is likely that TTB will adhere to its memorandum of understanding with FDA and stop allowing these colors in new formulas and require existing formulas to be updated. If FDA ultimately revokes authorization for petroleum-based dyes, many alcohol beverage suppliers will need to reformulate their products to use alternative colors. Our firm can help navigate these emerging regulatory changes and help keep your products compliant.
Leave a Reply